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How to Make Antique-Style Clocks

Antique-style clocks have inner and outer mechanisms similar to antique clocks. There are advantages to making antique-style clocks. The wood and materials used both inside and outside the clock are generally stronger. New clocks can also be made to look older by using painting techniques that add an aged appearance only. With proper care, an antique-style clock will last longer than an antique clock with faulty parts. The cost of maintenance may be significantly lower for a newer clock than for an actual antique as well.

Things You'll Need

Grandfather clock kit
Clock blueprint or diagram plan
Wood bundle packs
Miter saw
PVA cement glue
Inner and outer clock mechanisms

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a wood kit for making Grandfather clocks at online lumber stores that sell clock kits. Compare prices on kits. Buy a Grandfather clock kit that is made of fine wood, such as walnut or pine. Grandfather clock kits should also include all parts needed to make an antique-style Grandfather clock; the inner mechanisms that run the clock, and outer mechanisms that regulate the clock time. (See Resources.)
- 2
  Follow the blueprint directions or instructions that come with the Grandfather clock kit, or get one online from the online magazine Shop Smith Hands On (see Resources). Click on the archival section for clock-making plans, and print out a clock-making plan to use.
- 3
  Hire someone to assemble the clock for you if you lack carpentry skills. There will be cutting and assembling. Assemble the clock body first. Purchase four wood bundle packs, five square feet in length. Purchase one or two wood bundle packs for smaller antique-style wall clocks.
- 4
  Place the wood from the kit side-by-side on the floor, or a flat work table. Use the smaller and narrower pieces of board for the support rails and stiles of the clock. Use a patterned section for the side panels, with the grain facing front. The natural pattern of wood will be the design of the clock if left unpainted in its natural state or varnished.
- 5
  Begin cutting the wood with a CMT Model 219 miter saw. Cut the wood in 8-1/2-inch pieces. Cut the rails first at 9 inches wide. Cut cross pieces of wood at 8-1/4 inches. Follow instructions to the exact directions. The clock kits will have the wood pre-cut, but some adjustments to the wood may need to be made, especially if adding more of a decorative arch to the top of the clock.
- 6
  Glue together the clock wood using PVA cement glue. Make sure the glue is completely dry before installing both inner and outer mechanisms of the clock. Assemble all parts of the inner and outer mechanisms separately to make sure everything is included and in order before installing. Inner mechanisms should include a spring, pivots, chimes and gears. Outer mechanisms include the face, hands, pendulum and weights.

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